The National Food Authority (NFA) will expand its P20-per-kilo rice program to additional Kadiwa centers, following its initial rollout in the National Capital Region (NCR) on Thursday.
In an interview with DZRH, NFA Administrator Larry Lacson confirmed that the affordable rice is now being sold at Kalentong Market in Mandaluyong, marking the city's second round of sales under the program.
DZRH reporter Edniel Parosa noted that P35/kg rice under the Kadiwa initiative is also available at the same market.
“Ito na lang muna ang ginawa ng isa nating kasabay [dito sa palengke],” Parosa said, suggesting alternative options remain accessible for consumers.
(This is what one of our companions at the market decided to do for now.)
According to one consumer interviewed, demand is high due to both affordability and quality.
“Mabilis maubos ang bigas dahil bukod sa mura ito, maganda rin ang kalidad. Mas maputi ang inaning bigas,” they said. The initial request was for 100 sacks, but supply adjustments are expected as the program reaches more markets.
(The rice sells out quickly because aside from being affordable, it’s also of good quality. The harvested rice is whiter.)
To manage the limited stock, the NFA set a purchase cap per individual.
“Kung bibili ka indibidwal, narinig natin kanina na may 5-10 kilos ang limit per tao,” Lacson said. Priority buyers include senior citizens, solo parents, and government aid beneficiaries, with customers required to show valid IDs to confirm eligibility.
(If you're buying as an individual, we heard earlier that there's a limit of 5 to 10 kilos per person.)
The move aligns with the government’s continuing push to make affordable, quality rice more accessible to low-income communities.